First Look: Shia LaBeouf In ‘The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman’

First Look: Shia LaBeouf In 'The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman'

Now that he’s exited the “Transformers” franchise, Shia LaBeouf is trying to carve out a new reputation as a respectable, adult lead. He’s had hits outside the toy-based series with films like “Disturbia,” but the actor’s clearly after a little more respect, and he’s been making some smart choices of late, with John Hillcoat‘s “Lawless,” which premieres this weekend at Cannes, and Robert Redford‘s “The Company You Keep” among his upcoming projects.

And the film he’s shooting at the moment seems to be another pitch at more grown-up fare: “The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman.” The actor’s been attached to the project, which is being directed by commercials veteran Frederik Bond, for some time, although he departed for a little while in favor of Zac Efron. The dark crime picture finally got going this year with a Berlin shoot now under way, and backers Voltage Pictures have debuted the first image of LaBoeuf in the film, which also stars Evan Rachel Wood, Mads Mikkelsen, Melissa Leo and Til Schweiger. Read the official synopis below, along with a bigger look at LaBeouf and his natty new haircut. “The Necessary Death of Charlie Countryman” will be in theaters in 2013.

Charlie Countryman (LaBeouf) was just a normal guy…until he fell in love with the one girl who will probably get him killed. When Charlie meets the absolutely irresistible Gabi she’s already been claimed by Nigel, an insanely violent crime boss with a gang of thugs at his disposal. Armed with little more than his wit and naïve charm, Charlie endures one bruising beat down after another to woo Gabi and keep her out of harm’s way. Finally his exploits of blind valor create such a mess that he’s left with only one way out; to save the girl of his dreams, must Charlie Countryman die?